is memphis dangerous for tourists
I was much more comfortable walking the streets of Baghdad after dark then I am walking the streets of Downtown Memphis and/or Beale Street at any time of the dayAll cities have their problems but with Memphis staying at or near the top of the list for violent crimes for the past 20 years or so it is a city to be wary of if visiting or relocatingIt is easy to do your own research for the FBI keeps records of every city in America, take a look and decide for yourself, I visit Memphis every year in August and walk from Graceland down to Marlows and and even down to Wal-Mart without any problems at all I love Memphis and am planning on moving there when I retire in 3 years time from NEW ZEALAND, Well you were lucky Not safe I was born in Memphis Nowhere is safe anymore there If anyone tells you different then I would take it with a grain of salt. I dont know what negative feelings you have, but its false. Never go to a house party if you are invited - you don't want to walk into a dangerous situation. ", "As bad as it is, its not THAT bad. The area is full of young professionals who want to live in the city but without chaos. Most tourist attractions and landmarks enjoy enhanced security than other areas in the city. If you do walk, make sure to keep your wallet in your pocket or carry your purse close to your body. Memphis is generally a safe city for tourists. Drive with caution if youre unfamiliar with the area and the local road rules. Always think about safety and security first when in Memphis. (2022 Crime Rates And Crime Stats), Is Atlanta Safe To Visit? link to Whatever Happened To Alexandra Isles, 'Victoria Winters' From Dark Shadows? If you dont have business being in a certain neighborhood do not go there. This city has a magical allure that attracts eager tourists looking to experience a different culture and learn about Americas musical history. Memphis is ranked as the most dangerous some years because of its murder rate. It is popular for music, food, drinks, rare animal sightings, and more. So what are you waiting for book your trip today! Hinton, who helped build the . Violent crimes include; homicides, rape, robbery and aggravated assaults and the violent crime rate is calculated by dividing the number of reported crimes by the total population; the result is multiplied by 100,000. The contrast couldnt be more dramatic. Times are changing, though, which can be shown by the type of drugs in the city. Editors Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Memphis. Memphis more so than many other cities Ive visited is a block-by-block risk. The "Memphis Tourism Blues Stage on Beale" relocates the festival's popular Blues . Im not sure what the cops are doing but they sure do not patrol the highways. Especially at night. Memphis is as safe as any other city in the world, and a beautiful place to live and work. You can also be assured the tourism bureau wont send you somewhere dangerous. Even when the police haul people in for sentencing, the prosecutors prefer to plead the cases out. MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Memphis has been ranked as the most dangerous city in the United States, according to a 24/7 Wall St. study using FBI statistics. Downtown Memphis is a relatively safe area to visit during the day. Unfortunately, however, some daring tourists lose their lives in tragic accidents at popular tourist attractions. Read on for an in-depth look at prevalent dangers and tips on what you can do to stay safe. If it looks like you shouldnt be there, leave. See for yourself on site statistics from the FBI, statistics, city-data.com, or wikipedia. Talked to the Memphis Flippers CEO, became friends with the police, and kept our wits about us. A trip to Memphis is undoubtedly worth your time. Overall crime is nearly 220% higher than the national average in Raleigh, . Most people may differ as to whether Raleigh belongs on this list because a good fraction of Memphis consider this area the safest in the city. Honestly the only people who feel like Memphis is dangerous is older white people who are afraid of black people, considering that most of the black people in the entire state of TN reside in Shelby County. In October 2022 a former police officer was sentenced to 12 years behind bars for violating civil rights during an arrest. Some cruises are just sightseeing for an hour, while others offer several days on the river and take you to different destinations along the way. Just say "no" and keep walking. Know who is around you and what is happening around you. Dirty streets overflowing garbage in the historic areas. . While Memphis has a long way to go before its considered a reasonably safe place to visit, rest assured that it has a strong police presence that aims to maintain public safety. The Most Dangerous Cities in the US. Completely disagreeyou mustve been walking around with your eyes closed.filthy, trash ridden, and homeless everywhere. Even those sunglasses you left sitting on the dash. This is a green space along the river with a riverfront walk that goes from one side of the island to the other. Shreveport, Louisiana can be a dangerous city for locals and tourists alike, though it doesn't have nearly as many violent or property crimes as larger cities on the list. Meanwhile, the Memphis Tourism Blues Stage on Beale relocates the festival's popular Blues Tent theme to Handy Park, 200 Beale St. Youll likely be humming it by the time you leave if you can get Lynyrd Skynyrds Free Bird out of your head. Take a look at some of the possible dangers you might encounter while. Memphis is not entirely safe at night, especially for a visitor that is unfamiliar with the layout of the city. | Safety Concerns, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? I have friends who have been carjacked in East Memphis and some in downtown. And even many residents of the city agree that they dont feel safe living in Memphis. Ive had friends get broken into because they left a few quarters in the cup holder or had some books in the backseat. ", "Your biggest problem while visiting Downtown would be a loud panhandler or homeless person. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. (11 Reasons Why). The statistics showthat Memphis has a long way to go before the authorities can tame the crime levels up to where Memphis can get a clean bill of rights regarding safety. Last year, St. Louis, Missouri was named the most dangerous city in America. But all in all I really fell in love with the place and the people. One spot may be manicured and well-maintained, and a section next to it will be grim and deserted. Homeless people would panhandle in the lines of fast-food restaurants, leaving you stuck in your car while they shout and beg for money. Generally, Memphis is a safe place for tourists. With Graceland, Beale Street, and a number of other popular tourist attractions, the city sees around 10 million visitors a year. In downtown, the crime rate is 363% above the national average. You can be a victim almost anywhere. You have to keep your head on a swivel and always been checking your surroundings. Memphis was already a dangerous city and now its getting worse and covering a more broad area. You could also strictly stick around areas like Germantown, Cooper-Young, Binghamton, Midtown, and East Memphis because they are much safer. Forceful purse snatching, car theft, and larceny make up the highest reported property crime cases. Topping the list of petty crimes is pickpocketing, which often happens in crowded areas on Memphis streets. If you are thinking about visiting Memphis and have qualms about the safety of the city, we go you covered. Examples of tourists coming under fire for their behaviour have increased. A lot about the crime risk in Memphis is what you are used to at home. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes are not surprising to local residents. That's based on data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As someone who lived in Memphis for several years, I must tell you - do NOT walk in dark streets and alleys. If youre walking around the city, study and plan your route beforehand so you dont end up in a part of the city you shouldnt be in. It is also a city you shouldn't avoid because of that - you just need to know the information you're researching now. Memphis is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the United States for violent crime. However, if you let your guard down, you can become a crime victim. While people here enjoy a fair amount of security during the day, things turn for the worst at night. The violent crime and the property crime rate is among the highest in the nation. So you will see and here about dangerous things in these areas. getty. At least in the 2023 NBA playoffs. I dont go in the city unless Im absolutely forced to or if I have to drive to work. In 2020, that number rose by nearly 100 to 327 homicides. Is Memphis dangerous for tourists? Graceland is in that area and it's fine during the day but stay away at night. However, Midtown is one of the few places at the heart of Memphis that is significantly safer than surrounding neighborhoods. Everything You Need To Know Before, The 6 Worst Tourist Traps In Los Angeles And Where To Go Instead, Is Houston Safe To Visit? Leading to vicious life cycles. this is the suburb of choice for Memphians. One friend was shot in killed. You can have stately Southern homes on one block and drive two blocks over to see small shotgun homes (the houses that are basic and long, as if a shotgun blast could go straight through it) and suspicious activity on the streets. We deep dived into the statistics, crime reports and talked to the residents of the city to give you a better understanding of how safe the city really is. Absolutely correct!! It would even be ranked at the top of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Big mistake. Still, the area has a whopping 3,800 reported cases of violent crimes reported per every 100,000 people. 342 people in Memphis were murdered last year. (11 Reasons Why), Why Are Harleys So Expensive? Downtown is home to a large police presence both during the day and night, but travelers should still exercise caution in tourist areas, which are known to have a high concentration of panhandlers. Memphis comes with a high risk, which isn't a ranking we give lightly. You dont want to get lost in Memphis. I was warned by locals to not leave the hotel at night. The statistics used in the list are valid and, of course, should be taken seriously. A number calculated from the divided the crimes per 1,000 people in Memphis. It seems that crime here isnt isolated to just a few areas. Memphis, TN just happen to have the first 48 crime lab here just like Texas and Florida. You can even pay a little extra to be the Duckmaster for the day. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. Next is Downtown Parkway Village-Oakhaven, White Haven-Coro Lake, and Berclair-Highland Heights. The downtown area of Memphis is located along the Mississippi River between Interstate 40 to the north, Interstate 55 to the south, and I-240 to the east. In 2021, Memphis was rated the most dangerous city in the United States. Memphis is safe if you use caution and stay away from unsafe areas. For nearly six decades, classic gothic soap opera Dark Shadows has haunted and entertained global audiences. Reports show that there are an average of 1,900 reported cases of violent crimeper every 100,000 people in Memphis, Tennessee. The tap water provided by Memphis Light, Gas, and Water meets all standards and is in full compliance, according to the 2021 Annual Water Quality Report. This area has a significantly higher property crime rate as poor peoplewill rob people, break into cars, and homes to steal things that they can sell for a quick buck. There are 3,415 cases reported per every 100,000 people. The Lorraine Motel is now part of a larger museum that honors civil rights advocates while educating people on how to stop systemic racism and hope for a more peaceful future. Sign up for our free newsletter. Its definitely become less safe since I moved here in 1985. ", "Keep in mind is Memphis is like 12 miles x 12 miles. If she's staying near Graceland, that's not an area where it would be safe to walk around at night. Memphis has long been one of the most dangerous cities in America, and in 2021 it had violent crime rates more than six times the national average. Memphis also has a homeless problem, and I cant tell you how many times I went to grab dinner at a fast food drive-thru to see homeless people begging me for money while I was trapped in the drive-thru line. I was there in June of 2021, ate at kooky kanucks, right across from the Peabody first night in town, there was a shooting right outside the restaurant while we were eating, many people ran to the back of the restaurant (I had some drinks and was feeling bulletproof so I just stayed at the bar). In fact I don't stop in some areas there when I'm driving. I do not like the Real Estate Economy thereI Sold my properties and Re-invested in Cities of Real Estate Growth!! This area is known as the Mid-South, and Memphis is called The Bluff City since it sits on the bluffs of the river. Girls wearing bonnets out in public like its a hat. Mind your own business, use common sense when you go out like you would anywhere else hopefully, and you will be fine. All Rights Reserved. Or the income necessary to do so. Apparently shootings had been under reported for 2019. Why have 3 major malls have been shut down? The trolley is safer because it's in tourist areas, whereas the buses can go through some rough neighborhoods. A good fraction of the Memphis population lives below the poverty line. But you might as well exercise more caution during your time here or avoid it altogether. Is Elvis Presley Blvd Safe? Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are available. You may enjoy more safety if youre in a safe neighborhood, but your chances drastically dwindle if you are in a dangerous place. Are you black? Come to Memphis at your own risk. Don't waste your hard-earned money. The worst neighborhoods in North Memphis are Frayser and Raleigh and Hickory Hill, which has the nickname of Hickory Hood.", "The east side of the city is the safest part of Memphis and is a completely different experience. If you are just visiting, you would have no reason to go to North Memphis anyway. getty 15 Safest Large Cities in the US. The United States has an average mugging of .73 for every 1000 people. Act like you know where you are and dont be constantly looking lost or out of place. Ended up moving here. Memphis is undoubtedly one of America's greatest music cities - its rich heritage birthed rock 'n' roll and its own version of soul and the blues. Memphis is generally a safe city for tourists. And we stayed out until all hours of the morning down Beale Street. If you are seeking reliable accommodation, theres a good chance youll get the best rates in Whitehaven. The bridge has emergency call boxes and is under surveillance 24/7. Making the city less livable. Thefts and break-ins are a daily occurrence in Orange Mound. You should also take special precaution as a solo traveler as you are more vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime. Yea Im pretty sure Memphis isnt a place anyone should move to. If you drive, make sure to lock your car doors and dont leave any valuables in plain sight inside your car while its parked. At least 20 nee hotels have gone in downtown in the last 10 years, 5 in the last 6 months. Out of 1,000 people, you can see that 39.9 of them fall victim to some type of property crime, including home invasions and break-ins. However, there are cabs and trolleys that will get you safely to your destination as well. The area W of the Airport between the AP and HIghway 61 is certainly not a place you need to walk around at night. And when I say leave I mean in your car, quickly. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW Memphis has a public transportation system called MATA. Ive lived in Bartlett for 13 years and its been VERY safe. Found a safe place to stay!! I have lived here for 40+ years and it just keeps getting worseeven right outside Memphis, I can not wait to retire and leave this area!!! It consistently ranks in the top positions for most dangerous cities in the United States. Crime rates on the map are weighted by the type and severity of the crime. Stay away from any kind of confrontation and nicely say "No" to the homeless people who ask for money. 1 of 11 Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis (3) celebrates his dunk as Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) falls to the court during the second half in Game 6 of a first-round NBA basketball . A woman out for a morning jog near the University of Memphis was pulled into a car, sexually assaulted, and killed. CBS News named it the third most dangerous city in the nation. I wont go to Memphis without a legal gun. Average murder rates are 52.44 out of 100,000, which includes tourists killed. I Agree!! (9 Reasons Why), Why Are Netflix Originals So Bad? If you have traveling companions, its always safer to go walking with a friend than by yourself. The buses will take you throughout the city, but you're more likely to consider using the trolley that goes around downtown and to the riverfront. Memphis is generally a safe city for tourists. (7 Reasons Why). Literally. And I have only seen cops pulling people over one time. Theft from our hotel room while staying at the Peabody. Despite its alarming levels of violent crimes, tourists can feel more secure in Memphis if they stay away from dangerous areas. Using official tourism sites helps you avoid viruses and phishing for the personal information you can find on third-party websites. Common areas to find this type of activity is around banks, airports, and ATM locations. If you are little cautious and avoid visiting dangerous or deserted areas, then . A good portion of the town is safe, but some parts have a heavy gang presence. This can affect the people living there and the tourists visiting. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Heres a list of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the United States ranked by violent crime rate in 2020. Not sure thats going to change anytime soon. There's also an ongoing risk of an earthquake - and a major quake on the New Madrid Fault line could do major damage in Memphis. The poverty rate here was nearly 25% in 2020. Midtown has a population of over 62,700 and a violent crime rate of2,967 per 100,000 people. The last count showed over 102 gangs in the city, with over 13 thousand members. No more. (9 Reasons Why), Why Do People Hate Jordan Peterson? You must have visited on a good day, there was another shooting at Cars on Sam Cooper, I was stuck in Traffic then I saw Blue Lights and a car with window shot out. Therefore, its easy to lose track and unintentionally end up in a risky area thats crime-ridden. St. Louis, Nashville, Detroit, Baltimore, and Milwaukee all have similar violent crime rates as Memphis. Women should definitely use caution when out on Beale Street at night. National Civil Rights Museum: An expansive museum built around the location where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. This combination leads to a lot of homeless people and a lot of beggars in the street. Vestavia Hills City Council approved a $6.3 million plan to add a shopping center to U.S. Highway 31. In downtown, the crime rate is 363% above the national average. As Jasejase stated above, downtown is one of the safest areas of Memphis with a high police presence. When you park your car make sure NOTHING can be seen inside the windows. I couldnt even sleep at night in the room, with all the hot rodders and drag racers making so much racket.